Anti-theft device for computer apparatus and a method for protecting computer apparatus thereby

ABSTRACT

An anti-theft device for a computer device, including a main body having at least one protrusion portion which protrudes from the computer device when the body is connected to the computer device, an acceleration sensor provided in the main body and configured to detect impact, a detection processing unit positioned in the main body and configured to output a signal based on the impact detected by the acceleration sensor, a first memory unit including a driver program which facilitates communication between the detection processing unit and the personal computer, a program transfer unit which temporarily installs the driver program in the computer device, a connector configured to attach the body to the computer device and facilitate electrical connection between the computer device and detection processing unit, and an indicator configured to provide indication according to the signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an anti-theft device for a computerapparatus.

2. Discussion of the Background

Continuing proliferation and development of computer devices forbusiness, academic and private usages include smaller, lighter and thusmore easy-to-carry computer devices such as laptop computers and PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) devices. On the other hand, thatdevelopment have led such computer devices more susceptible to thefts inplaces like business offices, schools and libraries. Several types ofanti-theft devices are currently in the market. For example, inwire-type anti-theft devices, a lock device connected to a long wire isdirectly connected to a security slot in a laptop computer and the otherend of the wire is wrapped around a fixture such as a table and a desk.Alarm-type anti-theft devices have a hook which can be connected to asecurity slot in a laptop computer, and an alarm device equipped with avibration sensor and a dial lock with a wire for connecting the alarmdevice and hook. PC interactive anti-theft devices include devices whichare inserted in a PC card slot in their entirety. These PC interactiveanti-theft devices primarily protect a PC device by alerting via the PCdevice's screen or speaker and locking the PC device or its data, i.e.,securing access to data in a computer device, thereby preventing datafrom being altered or stolen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an anti-theft devicefor a computer device includes a main body having at least oneprotrusion portion which protrudes from the computer device when thebody is connected to the computer device, an acceleration sensorprovided in the main body and configured to detect impact, a detectionprocessing unit positioned in the main body and configured to output asignal based on the impact detected by the acceleration sensor, a firstmemory unit including a driver program which facilitates communicationbetween the detection processing unit and the computer device, a programtransfer unit which temporarily installs the driver program in thecomputer device, a connector configured to attach the body to thecomputer device and facilitate electrical connection between thecomputer device and detection processing unit, and an indicatorconfigured to provide indication according to the signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an anti-theftdevice for a computer device includes a detector for detecting impact, adetection processor for outputting a signal based on the impact, aconnector for facilitating electrical connection between the computerdevice and a detection processor, an indicator for providing indicationaccording to the signal, and a protrusion portion positioned to protrudefrom the computer device when the connector is connected to the computerdevice, wherein the indicator is provided in the protrusion portion.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method forprotecting a computer device includes providing an anti-theft deviceincluding a main body having at least one protrusion portion whichprotrudes from the computer device when the body is connected to thecomputer device, an acceleration sensor provided in the main body andconfigured to detect impact, a detection processing unit positioned inthe main body and configured to output a signal based on the impactdetected by the acceleration sensor, a first memory unit including adriver program which facilitates communication between the detectionprocessing unit and the computer device, a program transfer unit whichtemporarily installs the driver program in the computer device, aconnector configured to attach the body to the computer device andfacilitate electrical connection between the computer device anddetection processing unit, and an indicator configured to provideindication according to the signal and positioned on the body, attachingthe anti-theft device to a computer device via the connector,temporarily installing the driver program in the computer device by theprogram transfer unit, and facilitating communication between thedetection processing unit and the computer device by the driver program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anti-theft device according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an anti-theft device according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the anti-theft devices shown in FIGS. 1 and2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary acceleration sensor modulein the anti-theft device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a sensory function based on theacceleration sensor module shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the sensory function based on the accelerationsensor module shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a basic structural connection betweenan anti-theft device according to another embodiment of the presentinvention and a personal computer;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing installation and uninstallation processof a driver for the anti-theft device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a basic operation of the anti-theftdevice shown in FIG. 7 without a touch motion function;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a basic operation of the anti-theftdevice shown in FIG. 7 in a touch motion function;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a direct editing function of theanti-theft device shown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a net client function of the anti-theftdevice shown in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anti-theft device according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the anti-theftdevice 1 has a main body 2 and a connecting portion 3, and the main body2 has an indicator 4 and a secondary indicator 5. According to thisembodiment, the connection portion 3 connects the main body 2 to apersonal computer device via a USB port, and thus the main body 2noticeably protrudes from a computer device when the anti-theft device 1is attached to it. The indicator 4 on the main body 2 is, for example,an LED, and conspicuously emits visible light. Thus, the anti-theftdevice 1 further provides a visible warning effectively. The secondaryindicator 5 on the main body 2 is, for example, a speaker, and generatesaudible sounds to alert a user and people nearby. Thus, the indicator 4as well as the noticeable protrusion of the main body 2 deter thievesmore effectively.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an anti-theft device according toanother embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, theanti-theft device 201 has a main body 202 and a connecting portion 203,and the main body 202 has an indicator 204. According to thisembodiment, the connection portion 203 connects the main body 202 to apersonal computer device via a PCMCIA card slot such that an end portionof the main body 202 protrudes from a computer device when theanti-theft device 1 is attached to it, thereby making thieves visiblyrecognize its protection before they attempt to disturb the computerdevice, i.e., thieves are more effectively deterred from disturbing thecomputer devices. The indicator 204 on the main body 202 is, forexample, a light emitting device or a sound generating device, and emitsvisible light or generates audible sounds. Thus, the anti-theft device 1provides a visible or an audible warning effectively.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the anti-theft devices 1, 201 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Referring to FIG. 3, the anti-theft devices 1, 201 shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 include a USB connector 301, a USB control interface302, a MPU 303, an acceleration sensor module 304, a flash memory 305,and SRAM 306. The USB connector 301 connects to a USB connector 310 in apersonal computer and the USB control interface 302, the USB controlinterface 302 is connected to the USB connector 301, the MPU 303, flashmemory 305, and SRAM 306 as shown in FIG. 2, and the MPU 303 isconnected to the acceleration sensor module 304. By providing the MPU303 in the anti-theft devices 1, 201 themselves, the anti-theft devices1, 201 identify the type of an operation system in a computer device bysimply connecting to a computer device and automatically installs adriver thereto. Therefore, the anti-theft devices 1, 201 perform theirfunctions without relying on an operation system in a computer devicebeing protected.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary acceleration sensor modulein the anti-theft devices 1, 201 shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 4,the three-dimensional acceleration sensor module 304 includes anacceleration senor 400 (accelerometer), an IC 401 including atemperature sensor 402, an analog-digital conversion unit 403 and acontroller 404, and an EEPROM 407. For the acceleration senor 400, athree-axis semiconductor acceleration sensor having a bridge circuitusing a piezoelectric element may be used. This type of three-axissemiconductor acceleration sensor generates a voltage relative to anacceleration applied thereto as an output from the bridge circuit. Sucha semiconductor acceleration sensor is disclosed in Japanese UnexaminedPatent Application Publications, Nos 6-331646, 6-109755 and 8-327656,and the contents of these documents are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a sensory finction based on theacceleration sensor module 304 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and FIG. 6 is aflow chart of the sensory function based on the acceleration sensormodule 304 shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the accelerationsensor 400 and temperature sensor 402 are connected to theanalog-digital conversion unit 403, the analog-digital conversion unit403 is connected to the controller 404 having a corrective computationunit 405 and a ROM interface 406, and the controller 404 outputsacceleration data and communicates with an EEPROM 407. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 6, the acceleration sensor 400 and temperature sensor 402sense acceleration and temperature, respectively. The accelerationsensor 400 and temperature sensor 402 generate and send analog signalsto the analog-digital conversion unit 403. After the analog-digitalconversion unit 403 converts the analog signals to digital signal, thecontroller 404 reads acceleration and temperature data stored in theEEPROM 407, performs corrective computation based on the accelerationand temperature data, and subsequently outputs digital data.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a basic structural connection betweena personal computer and an anti-theft device according to anotherembodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a flow chart showinginstallation and uninstall processes of a driver for the anti-theftdevice shown in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, an anti-theft device 701includes an MPU 702, a RAM 703, a USB controller 704, a flash memory705, a USB 706, a acceleration sensor 707, an LED 708 and/or a speaker709, and a personal computer device 710 includes a CPU 711, a RAM 712, achip set 713, an AGP(VGA) 714, an HDD 715, a PCI 716, a USB 717, anethernet 718, an I/O 719, a flash memory 720, a mouse 721, and akeyboard 722. Referring to FIG. 8, when the anti-theft device 701 isinserted into the personal computer 710 and connected thereto via USBinterface (i.e., the USBs 706, 717), the MPU 702 in the anti-theftdevice 701 recognizes an OS (operation system) stored in the chip set713 in the personal computer device 710 via the USB controller 704, USBinterface, and PCI 716. Based on the OS, the MPU 702 selects anappropriate driver from various drivers stored in the flash memory 705via the USB controller 704, and temporarily installs a selected driverin the RAM 712 via the USB controller 704, USB interface, PCI 716, chipset 713 and CPU 711. Therefore, no separate installation of a driverprior to its use is required, nor is it necessary to use a separateinstallation device such as an floppy disk or a CD ROM for driverinstallation. As such, the anti-theft device 701 according to thisembodiment can be easily used and shared among friends and family atanywhere and anytime. Once the MPU 702 starts security operation, theMPU 702 recognizes through the USB controller 704 a threshold value ofacceleration data stored in the flash memory 705 for recognizing impacton or movement of the personal computer device 710. The MPU 702 obtainsacceleration data from the acceleration sensor 707 via the USBcontroller 704, and performs comparative computation of the thresholdvalue and acceleration data. If the acceleration data exceeds thethreshold value, the MPU 702 instructs via the USB controller 704, USBinterface, PCI 716 and chip set 713 the CPU 711 to operate a program inthe driver temporarily installed in the RAM 712. Subsequently, the CPU711 operates the program stored in the RAM 712 via the chip set 713,thereby issuing a warning signal from the personal computer 710, forexample, alarm sound from a speaker in the personal computer 710. Also,as a part of the warning signal, the LED 708 may flash rapidly, and/orthe speaker 709 may generate noticeable sounds. When the USB interfaceis disconnected, the device manager in the personal computer device 710recognizes that it is no longer connected to the MPU 702, and the drivertemporarily installed in the RAM 712 is automatically removed from theRAM 712 by the device controller in the personal computer device 710.That is, the device manager in the personal computer device 710routinely checks the status of its peripheral hardware devices at acertain interval, thereby allowing it to recognize the connection to theanti-theft device 701 and automatically uninstalling the driverinstalled as a temporary file in the RAM 712.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a basic operation of the anti-theftdevice shown in FIG. 7 without a touch motion function. Referring toFIGS. 7 and 9, after the anti-theft device 701 is inserted into the USB718 in the personal computer device 710, the MPU 702 begins a securityoperation as the LED 708 slowly flashes. Then, the MPU 702 receivesacceleration data output from the acceleration sensor 707, and recordsthe acceleration data in the flash memory 705. Subsequently, the MPU 702performs comparative computation based on the acceleration data and thethreshold value. If the acceleration data exceeds the threshold value,the MPU 702 instructs the LED to flash rapidly and the personal computerdevice 710 to issue a warning signal. On the other hand, if theacceleration data does not exceed the threshold value, the anti-theftdevice 701 continues the security operation. However, if there is aninput of a password through the keyboard 722 at this stage, theanti-theft device halts the security operation, and the anti-theftdevice 701 may be disconnected from the personal computer device 710.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a basic operation of the anti-theftdevice shown in FIG. 7 in a touch motion function. Referring to FIGS. 7and 10, once the anti-theft device 701 is inserted into the USB 718 inthe personal computer device 710, and the MPU 702 selects an appropriatedriver from the flash memory 705 and temporarily installs it in the RAM712, the MPU 702 recognizes via the USB controller 704 a set value, forexample, a touch pattern, for a touch motion operation previously storedin the flash memory 705. When the MPU 702 obtains acceleration data fromthe acceleration sensor 707 via the USB controller 704, the MPU 702performs comparative computation based on the set value and theacceleration data. If the acceleration data matches with the set value,e.g., the acceleration data is an impact on the anti-theft device 701intentionally caused by a user who is repeating the touch patternpreviously saved in the flash memory 705, the MPU 701 instructs the CPU711 in the personal computer device 710 to either stop or begin thesecurity operation depending on the status of the security operation. Inother words, if the security operation is already active, the CPU 711stops the security operation, and if the security operation is notactive, the CPU 711 activates the security operation. On the contrary,if the acceleration data does not match with the set value, the MPU 702performs comparative computation based on the acceleration data and anupper threshold value stored in the flash memory 705. If theacceleration data exceeds the upper threshold value, the MPU 702instructs via the CPU 711 the personal computer device 710 to issue awarning signal, and the LED 708 flashes rapidly. If the accelerationdata does not exceed the upper threshold value, the MPU 702 performscomparative computation based on the acceleration data and a lowerthreshold value stored in the flash memory 705. If the acceleration dataexceeds the lower threshold value, the MPU 702 instructs via the CPU 711the personal computer device 710 to issue a warning signal, and the LED708 flashes at an intermediate rate. The warning signal for the lowerthreshold value may be different from the warning signal for the upperthreshold value. However, if the acceleration data does not exceed thelower threshold value, the anti-theft device 701 continues the securityoperation. In this embodiment, the flash memory 705 may receiveacceleration data in cycle, thereby allowing the MPU 702 to performcomparative computation based on acceleration data received in a certainperiod of time, for example, one second, and the set value or touchpattern stored in the flash memory 705 for matching. The flash memory705 continuously updates and keeps the latest acceleration data obtainedduring a certain period of time.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a direct editing finction for editing apreference setting of the anti-theft device shown in FIG. 7. Referringto FIGS. 7 and 11, once the anti-theft device 701 is inserted into theUSB 717 in the personal computer device 710, and the MPU 702 selects anappropriate driver from the flash memory 705 and temporarily installs itin the RAM 712, a user utilizes the mouse 721 or the keyboard 722 toactivate a preference editing program in the driver temporarilyinstalled in the RAM 712, and instructs the CPU 711 to run thepreference editing program for editing a preference, e.g., setting orchanging the set value, e.g., touch pattern, or the threshold values.Thereby, the CPU 711 starts the preference editing program in the RAM712 via the chip set 713. Also, the CPU 711 instructs the MPU 702 tostart editing the preference via the chip set 713, PCI 716, USBinterface, and USB controller 704. The MPU 702 recognizes the preferencepreviously stored in the flash memory 705, and copies the data for thepreference to the RAM 703. The user follows instructions from thepreference editing program, and makes the anti-theft device 701recognize a new preference by applying a certain impact upon theanti-theft device 701. The MPU 702 obtains via the USB controller 704acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 707 based on the appliedimpact as the new preference. Furthermore, the MPU 704 records theacceleration data for the new preference in the RAM 704 via the USBcontroller 704. The user follows instructions provided by the preferenceediting program and instructs the CPU 711 to end the preference editingprogram. The CPU 717 instructs the MPU 704 to end the editing of thepreference via the chip set 713, PCI 716, USB interface, and USBcontroller 704. The MPU 702 recognizes the new preference stored in theRAM 703 and records the new preference in the flash memory 705 via theUSB controller 704. Because of the direct editing function for editing apreference setting described above, the anti-theft device according tothis embodiment allows a user to directly edit preference settingswithout relying on a separately installed specific driver and anoperation system in a computer device, thereby preventing sniffing andaltering data based on preference history.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an external transmission function using a netclient function according to the anti-theft device shown in FIG. 7.Referring to FIGS. 7 and 12, once the anti-theft device 701 is insertedinto the USB 717 in the personal computer device 710, and the MPU 702temporarily installs an appropriate driver from the flash memory 705 inthe RAM 712 and starts the security operation, if a preference settingof the anti-theft device 701 is set up such that the anti-theft device701 externally transmits a detection of abnormality, e.g., theft, theMPU 702 recognizes an SMTP client program previously stored in the flashmemory 705, copies it into the RAM 703, and starts the SMTP clientprogram. During the security operation, the MPU 702 recognizes via theUSB controller 704 the threshold value for recognizing an abnormalimpact previously stored in the flash ROM 705. Further, the MPU 702obtains acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 707 via the USBcontroller 704. The MPU 702 performs comparative computation based onthe threshold value and acceleration data, and if the acceleration valueexceeds the threshold value, the MPU 702 operates the SMTP clientprogram, and automatically sends an abnormality report mail data tooutside devices via the USB controller 704, USB interface, I/O 719, andethernet 718. By providing such a net client function in the anti-theftdevice 701, a protection system can be easily established through a network, for example, in a work place, a school, and a library.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

1. An anti-theft device for a computer device, comprising: a main bodyhaving at least one protrusion portion which protrudes from the computerdevice when the body is connected to the computer device; anacceleration sensor provided in the main body and configured to detectimpact; a detection processing unit positioned in the main body andconfigured to output a signal based on the impact detected by theacceleration sensor; a first memory unit including a driver programwhich facilitates communication between the detection processing unitand the computer device; a program transfer unit which temporarilyinstalls the driver program in the computer device; a connectorconfigured to attach the body to the computer device and facilitateelectrical connection between the computer device and detectionprocessing unit; and an indicator configured to provide indicationaccording to the signal and positioned on the body.
 2. The anti-theftdevice according to claim 1, wherein the acceleration sensor comprises athree-axis acceleration sensor.
 3. The anti-theft device according toclaim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a light emitting deviceconfigured to emit visible light and is positioned on the at least oneprotrusion portion of the main body.
 4. The anti-theft device accordingto claim 3, wherein the light emitting device is configured to change aflashing pattern of the visible light being emitted based on the signaloutput by the detection processing unit according to an intensity of theimpact.
 5. The anti-theft device according to claim 3, wherein the lightemitting device comprises at least one LED.
 6. The anti-theft deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a sound generatingdevice configured to generate audible sound.
 7. The anti-theft deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein the sound generating device is configuredto change a volume of the audible sound being generated based on thesignal output by the detection processing unit according to an intensityof the impact.
 8. The anti-theft device according to claim 2, whereinthe driver program includes an alarm indication program which indicatesan alarm message on a display device of the computer device when thedetection processing unit determines the impact constitutes a theft. 9.The anti-theft device according to claim 2, wherein the driver programis installed in a RAM unit in the computer device such that the driverprogram is automatically uninstalled from the computer device when theconnector is disconnected from the computer device.
 10. The anti-theftdevice according to claim 1, further comprising a second memory unitconfigured to store setting data which the driver program utilizes. 11.The anti-theft device according to claim 10, wherein the setting datainclude preference settings including at least one of a password, a setvalue for determining whether the impact constitutes a password toactivate and deactivate a security operation, and at least one thresholdvalue for determining whether the impact constitutes a theft.
 12. Theanti-theft device according to claim 2, wherein the driver programincludes a network transmission program which sends out data through anetwork connection device in the computer device.
 13. The anti-theftdevice according to claim 1, wherein the detection processing unit isconfigured to determine whether the impact constitute a certain touchpattern and switch a security operation between an activated state and adeactivated state when the certain touch pattern is detected.
 14. Theanti-theft device according to claim 1, wherein the connector isconfigured to be connected to a USB port.
 15. The anti-theft deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to be engagedinto a PCMCIA card slot.
 16. The anti-theft device according to claim 1,wherein the detection processing unit comprises an MPU, a flash memory,and a RAM.
 17. The anti-theft device according to claim 1, wherein thedetection processing unit is configured to perform comparativecomputation based on the impact and at least one threshold value anddetermine whether the impact constitute a theft.
 18. The anti-theftdevice according to claim 1, wherein the indicator is configured tocontinuously provide a warning indication once the connector isconnected to the computer device.
 19. The anti-theft device according toclaim 18, wherein the indicator is configured to provide the indicationwhich is different from the warning indication when the detectionprocessing unit determines that the impact constitutes a theft, and thedetection processing unit is configured to instruct the computer deviceto issue a secondary indication using at least one hardware in thecomputer device.
 20. An anti-theft device for a computer device,comprising: detecting means for detecting impact; detection processingmeans for outputting a signal based on the impact; connecting means forfacilitating electrical connection between the computer device anddetection processing unit; indicating means for providing indicationaccording to the signal; and a protrusion portion positioned to protrudefrom the computer device when the connection means is connected to thecomputer device, wherein the indicating means is provided in theprotrusion portion.
 21. A method for protecting a computer device,comprising: providing an anti-theft device including a main body havingat least one protrusion portion which protrudes from the computer devicewhen the body is connected to the computer device, an accelerationsensor provided in the main body and configured to detect impact, adetection processing unit positioned in the main body and configured tooutput a signal based on the impact detected by the acceleration sensor,a first memory unit including a driver program which facilitatescommunication between the detection processing unit and the computerdevice, a program transfer unit which temporarily installs the driverprogram in the computer device, a connector configured to attach thebody to the computer device and facilitate electrical connection betweenthe computer device and detection processing unit, and an indicatorconfigured to provide indication according to the signal and positionedon the body; attaching the anti-theft device to a computer device viathe connector; temporarily installing the driver program in the computerdevice by the program transfer unit; and facilitating communicationbetween the detection processing unit and the computer device by thedriver program.